Wikipedia knows science! Accordingly: A pheromone is a “chemical factor” that oozes out of bodies and triggers a social response in members of the same species. There are alarm pheromones, food trail pheromones, sex pheromones, and many others, all of which impact social behavior. Though research has shown pretty conclusively that pheromones exist in insects and other mammals, the notion of pheromones in humans is still kinda controversial.
So, Gia Moore (pretty racy pictures here, but technically SFW) has made some pheromone perfumes – G for Ladies and G for Men.
(pictured: ad for Gia for Men)
According to press material, Gia is from Colombia, has worked as a model, and currently hosts the sex and relationship radio show, “Gia Moore Nights.” She’s also always been interested in fragrances, which are capable of conjuring all sorts of feelings and emotions and can impact perception and attraction. (I don’t disagree with this at all! Every time I smell a certain kind of tree, I think of Magic Mountain and going there as a kid.)
Gia believes that specific aromas can serve as aphrodisiacs (I don’t disagree with this either, but I’m not telling you why), so she learned about perfume making and created what she calls “sexuality in a bottle” – complete with pheromones. And she sent me a sample.
Lady G was a little on the heavy side IMO, but it got me to thinking – was there actual sex attractant in that bottle (and who or what was going to come running?!), or is this pheromone perfume thing all about placebo?
A big long story over at Fusion recently taught me some stuff – namely, that pheromones have no actual scent. As such, they’re “detected” more than they’re conventionally “smelled.” BUT, biologist Winifred Cutler claims to have identified the specific (unscented) chemical responsible for human sex pheromones. It stands to reason then that pheromones can be used in conjunction with actual smells to invoke emotion and do… err… other things.
So therein lies the question. Does Gia have actual pheromones in her perfume, or is it more of a specific scent designed to get people feeling a little more sexy-sensual? Does it matter?
PS I’m still obsessed with this stupid Brad Pitt ad – wtf is this?!
Reprinted from UPROXX/FilmDrunk (5/29/15).
And ICYMI, you can read all my work featured on UPROXX/FilmDrunk dot com right –> here
* * *
Got a sociology question? Need some social justice informed life advice? Contact Dr. Chauntelle right here.